feat: Confirmed clogged catalytic converters as cause of RPM limit issue

Diagnosis: Removing forward O2 sensors immediately restored full power.
Test proved the catalytic converters are severely restricted.

Updated:
- README.md: Added confirmed diagnosis section
- progress.md: Marked diagnosis complete, updated next steps
This commit is contained in:
John Loper II
2026-03-29 18:49:00 -04:00
parent 2d2f94d7a0
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# 2005 Ford E350 - Vehicle Maintenance Tracker
# 2005 Ford E350 - Maintenance & Repairs
> **Status:** 🔍 ACTIVE ISSUES — Multiple maintenance items tracked
## Vehicle Information
---
## 🚗 Vehicle Information
| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| **Year/Make/Model** | 2005 Ford E350 Passenger Van |
| Specification | Value |
|--------------|-------|
| **Year/Make/Model** | 2005 Ford E350 |
| **VIN** | 1FBSS31L35HB18098 |
| **Engine** | 5.4L V8 Triton (SOHC 2-valve, VIN L) |
| **Horsepower** | 255 HP @ 4,500 rpm |
| **Torque** | 350 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm |
| **Transmission** | 4-speed Automatic (4R75W) |
| **Drivetrain** | RWD |
| **Fuel Capacity** | 35 gallons |
| **Wheelbase** | 138.0 inches |
| **Body Style** | Passenger Van (12-passenger capacity) |
| **Engine Block** | Cast Iron |
| **Engine Heads** | Aluminum |
| **Valve Configuration** | SOHC 16-valve (2-valve per cylinder) |
| **Bore x Stroke** | 3.55" x 4.16" |
| **Compression Ratio** | ~9.5:1 (2-valve version) |
| **Front Brakes** | Disc Brakes |
| **Rear Brakes** | Drum Brakes |
| **Suspension (Front)** | Independent Coil Spring |
| **Suspension (Rear)** | Leaf Spring (Longitudinal) |
| **Mileage** | 217,401 miles (as of 2026-03-23) |
| **Date Started** | 2026-03-20 |
| **Engine** | 5.4L V8 Triton SOHC 2-valve |
| **Horsepower** | 260 HP @ 4750 RPM |
| **Torque** | 320 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM |
| **Transmission** | 4R100 Automatic (4-speed) |
## VIN Decoder
https://www.decodethis.com/vin/1FBSS31L35HB18098
## Active Issues
### RPMLimitPowerIssue 🔍 INVESTIGATION
- **Symptom:** RPM won't exceed 3000, no power under acceleration
- **Severity:** HIGH - affects drivability
- **Status:** Under investigation
- **Work Already Done:**
- Spark plugs changed recently
- TPS replaced recently
- **Common Failure Points:**
- Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor
- Fuel delivery (fuel pump, filter, pressure)
- Exhaust restriction (catalytic converter)
- Throttle body issues
- Ignition coils
- PCV valve
- Vacuum leaks
## Maintenance Schedule
### Every 5,000 miles
- Oil and filter change
- Inspect brakes
- Check tire pressure
### Every 15,000 miles
- Air filter replacement
- Cabin air filter replacement
- Rotate tires
- Inspect suspension components
### Every 30,000 miles
- Transmission fluid and filter
- Brake fluid flush
- Inspect spark plugs
### Every 60,000 miles
- Coolant flush
- Fuel filter replacement
- Inspect belts and hoses
### Every 100,000 miles
- Ignition coils replacement (recommended)
- Transmission flush
- Differential fluid
## Notes
---
## 📋 Project Overview
## Maintenance Log
This repository tracks all maintenance, repairs, and issues for the 2005 Ford E350 Passenger Van. Each subfolder represents a specific issue or maintenance task with its own progress tracking.
### Recent Work
**Current Status:** 🔍 ACTIVE ISSUES - diagnostic testing in progress
**Urgency:** Medium - vehicle drivable but severely limited performance
---
## 🔍 VIN Decoder Reference
**VIN Format:** `1FBSS31L35HB18098`
**Decoder URL Pattern:** `https://www.decodethis.com/vin/[VIN]`
**VIN Breakdown:**
- **1** = United States (Manufacturer)
- **F** = Ford Motor Company
- **B** = E-Series (Medium Duty)
- **S** = E-Series Chassis Cab / Cutaway
- **S** = E-Series Van
- **3** = E-350 (3/4 ton, ~8,500-9,500 lbs GVWR)
- **1** = E-Series Passenger Van
- **L** = 5.4L V8 2-valve Gasoline Engine (8th digit = engine code)
- **3** = Restraint System (manual belts, dual front airbags)
- **5** = Model Year 2005
- **H** = Assembly Plant (Louisville, KY)
- **B18098** = Production Sequence Number
---
## 📁 Active Issues
| Issue | Status | Description |
|-------|--------|-------------|
| [RPMLimitPowerIssue](./RPMLimitPowerIssue/) | ✅ RESOLVED | Clogged catalytic converter - removed O2 sensors, power restored |
---
## 🔧 Work Already Done
- [x] Spark plugs changed (recently)
- [x] Throttle position sensor (TPS) replaced (recently)
---
## 🛠️ Tools Available
- OBD2 reader (live sensor data + codes)
- Multimeter
- Fuel pressure gauges
---
## 📚 Quick Links
- [RPMLimitPowerIssue - Main diagnostic folder](./RPMLimitPowerIssue/)
- Detailed diagnostic findings
- Test procedures
- Session logs
- Parts and tools needed
---
## 🔄 Related Vehicles
- [2002 Chevy Express 3500](../../2002-Chevy-Express-3500/) - Similar van project
---
## 📊 Revision History
| Date | Change |
|------|--------|
| 2026-03-20 | Project created |
| 2026-03-21 | Reorganized into issue folder structure |
**2026-03-XX** - TPS replaced
- Worked on RPM limit issue
- No change in symptoms
**2026-03-XX** - Spark plugs replaced
- Standard maintenance
- No change in symptoms